Severum

Usually referred to as Heros severus, but the "Severum" actually encountered in aquatic stores
will often be H. efasciatus or other Heros sp.

Synonyms:

(none)

Size:

8" (20cm), but occasionally larger.

Origin:

South America.

Tank setup:

A large tank (suggest 4ft/122cm plus) with some flat rocks and a few robust plants.

Compatibility:

Usually a fairly peaceful cichlid, only aggressive when spawning.

Temperature:

23-25oC (73-77oF)

Water chemistry:

Soft and acidic prefered, pH 6.0-6.8, but also does fine in harder, alkaline water.

Feeding:

Carnivorous: feed live and frozen foods, will take flake, granular and pellet foods.

Sexing:

The fins of the male are more pointed.

Breeding:

The parents will pre-clean a stone or other flat surface, before as many as 1000 eggs
are laid. The parents guard the eggs and fry. Heros severus practices bi-parental mouthbrooding, in contrast to
the other species.

Comments:

A gold colour form of the Severum has been developed, which has proven popular.